Time,speed and distance computer



March 19, 1968 J. w. COPELAND 3,373,932

TIME, SPEED AND DISTANCE COMPUTER Filed Oct. EO, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet lJOHN W. COPILAND ATTORNEY March 19, 1968 J, W, COPELAND 3,373,932

TIME, SPEED AND DISTANCE COMPUTER Filed oct. 2o, ,1965 2 sheets-sheet 2Q' 1 *L P Il!" E LI- d) l n [j 2 .n 7 v S g N 'KVV w E2 u. rmi) ro r g sE m LI- pf INVENTOR A. JOHN W'. COPELAND .c\ BY 4 M MMM ATTORNEY UnitedStates Patent C) M 3,373,932 TIME, SPEED AND DISTANCE COMPUTER John W.Copeland, 161 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kans. 67218 Continuation-impart ofapplication Ser. No. 436,129, Mar. 1, 1965. This application Oct. 20,1965, Ser. No. 498,977

4 Claims. (Cl. 23S-61) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relatesto computing devices, more particularly to computing devices forcorrelating time, speed and distance variables. Still more specificallythis invention' relates to computing devices which utilize linear scalesthat are easy to read and to interpolate, and which has a clockmechanism in conjunction therewith, which devices are simple tomanipulate in operation. Additionally, this invention relates to acomputing device easily usable by airline pilots to set forth currenttime past the hour, miles travelled from a given checkpoint, theestimated time `of arrival, total flying time required, and time elapsedsince passing last checkpoint.

This invention is a continuation-inpart of my copending applicationentitled, Time, Speed and Distance Computer, Ser. No. 436,129, led Mar.l, 1965, now Patent No. 3,282,501.

When llying it is the usual procedure `to draw a line on a map to depictthe intended ilight or course of the plane. In order to make certainthat the actual llight path of the plane responds to the projectedilight path, check points are periodically noted on the map which occuralong the projected Hight path. Check points are normally prominentvisible geographical objects, land marks or navigational aids that canbe identied. The distance between check points can be scaled from themap, and the ground speed of the plane calculated fairly accuratelytaking into account the air speed of the plane and the prevailing wind.In order to positively assure the pilot that he is on course and onschedule, he will normally compute the elapsed time between check pointsand also the time of arrival at the next check point from aconsideration of distance land velocity. This computation, while notextremely complex, can be very confusing when done under flightconditions, particularly for an inexperienced pilot. The computationmust ordinarily be done fairly rapidly after each check point has beenpassed in order to calculate the estimated time of arrival at the nextcheck point. If the task of dying the plane is demanding, or the ightpath must be corrected due to drift and so forth, the activity couldwell cause an error which could be very serious.

Computers for calculating the factors involved in flying are known.However, the known computers are relatively complex to operate. Ingeneral, these known computers embody logarithmic scales which for theaverage person are diflicult to read 'and to interpolate. To theinexperienced pilot the use of known types of computers to calculateroutine calculations can be very confusing. If the computer must be usedto correct or evaluate the ground velocity or the llight path, as isfrequently the case, the known computing devices are particularlyconfusing and therefore generally unsatisfactory. In using the knowncomputers the pilot must refer to .a watch or clock which may be mountedin the airplane or otherwise in order to effectively make hiscomputations. This also necessitates the pilot interpolating the time asrecorded by the clock or watch to the elapsed times of his computations.In known computers it is also necessary to transcribe certain figures inorder to arrive at the desired 3,373,932 Patented Mar. 19, 1968 answerto the computations. All these extra operations can be dangerous if suchuse results in an incorrect calculation, lack of attention to thepiloting of the airplane, and the result if the calculation relied on isincorrect.

I have invented an improved computer. The improved computer of myinvention has a rst element having indication means, first unit indicia,and a plurality of unit scale indicia thereon. A second element issecured to the first element for relative movement therebetween. Asecond unit indicia, corresponding to the first unit indicia is providedon the second element. A plurality of indicating indicia are correlatedwith the unit scale indicia. A movable pointer means is provided as acorrelating means. A clock means is provided therewith which has a clockhand means provided as a further correlating means. The clock hand meanspreferably has an adjustable indicator therewith.

The new improved computer of my invention solves all of the problemscommon to computers known to the prior art. It is particularly adaptedto be used in flying to calculate elapsed time, time of arrival, presentposition, velocity, etc., but can also be used to calculate othervariables in other applications. All the indicia and scales on thecomputer of my invention are linear in nature, thereby making them easyto read and to interpolate. Further, my computer involves a very minimumnumber of elements, which makes the manipulation of same very simple andeasy to master. The indicia depicting the variables is arranged in alogical manner making the use and manipulation of the computer of myinvention practically fool proof. This is very important when the pilotis under stress or tension, because it operates to reduce the likelihoodof errors.

The clock mechanism of my improved computer has thereon an adjustableindicator with symbolic aircraft which provides the pilot with aninstantaneous reading of his present position along his course both inmiles or distance in minutes or elapsed time. The adjustable indicatorof my improved computer also provides the pilot with a continuous visualpresentation of his progress along a course as well as providinginformation as to his relative position to known check points. All ofthis is done without calculations by the pilot. Only two iingers of onehand are needed to operate the computer. It is very easy and inexpensiveto manufacture, which would place it within easy reach of many personsotherwise unable to afford conventional complicated calculating devices.

An object of this invention is to proved computer means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new improved computerparticularly adapted to correlate time, speed and distance.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new improvedcomputer that is easy to read and to interpolate.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a new computer inwhich the variables are logically arranged making manipulation and useof the computer relatively simple to the uninitiated person.

Still another object of this invention is a provide a new computer whichcan be used for a wide variety of applications by merely placing thereonindicia depicting the variables in the proper ranges.

And another object of this invention is to provide a new improvedcomputer which has a clock mechanism and a clock hand which showselapsed time on the face of the computer.

And yet another object of this invention is to provide a new computerthat has` a clock hand with a movable indicator thereon which correlatestime, speed, and distance variables into a visible relative position.

provide a newly im- Another object of this invention is to provide a newimproved computer that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. S

Various other objects and advantages and features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from reading thisdisclosure.

Drawings accompany and are a part of this disclosure. These drawingsdepict preferred specic embodiments of the new improved computer of myinvention and it is to be understood that these drawings are not tounduly limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred specific ernbodiment of theimproved computer of my invention particularly adapted to be mounted onthe instrument panel, or other flat surface of an airplane, boat,vehicle, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional View taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4 4 of FIG. 1.

In the following is a discussion and description of the invention madewith reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals areused to indicate the same or similar parts and/ or structure. Thediscussion and description is of preferred specific embodiments of thenew improved computer of my invention, and it is to be understood thatthe discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of theinvention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, an octagonal element 7 isdepicted best at FIGS. 1 and 2. This element 7 can be disc-shaped,polygonal or the like but preferably octagonal. It is also preferably atand is made of a comparatively rigid material such as metal or plastic,preferably of a laminated plastic material. Element 7 is adapted to besecured to a at surface having a hole provided therein', by any suitablemeans such as by screws, rivets, adhesives, and the like but preferablyby screw means (not shown).

Element 7 has a relatively small hole 9 through the center portionthereof. A clock mechanism 11 is rigidly mounted on the back portion ofelement 7. The clock mechanism 11 can be of any suitable type such aselectric, spring actuated, or the like, but preferably an electricallyactuated mechanism having a diameter less than the diameter of element7. The clock mechanism 11 is secured to the backside of element 7 in anysuitable manner such as screw means, rivets, adhesives, and the like butpreferably by cementing bosses 13 to the backside of element 7. A clockshaft 15 which is operably connected to the clock mechanism 11 projectsthrough the hole 9 in the element 7.

A disc 17 which has a diameter less than the diameter of the element 7,has a relatively small hole 19 in its center. This hole 19 is preferablyonly slightly larger than the diameter of the clock shaft 15. Disc 17 ismounted in overlying relationship on the front portion of element 7 withthe clock shaft 15 projecting through the hole 19. A radially andupwardly extending projection 21 is provided on the periphery of thedisc 17. The disc 17 has a plurality of evenly spaced concentric circles2.3 described thereon. A first time scale 25 is disposed along theperiphery of the disc17 and is numbered with evenly spaced consecutivenumerals from 1 to 60 beginning clockwise from the projection 21.

A second time scale 27 indicia is circularly disposed about theperiphery of the element 7. The second time scale 27 corresponds invalue and angular position to the first time scale 25 as best depictedon FIG. 1.

A plurality of distance scale indicia 29 are positioned betweenconcentric circles 23 on the disc 17. These indicia 29 can be anysuitable values, depending on the speed of the vehicle in which thecomputer is used, and the preferred distance between check points to beused in navigational calculations. Preferably the indicia Z9 areindicated in ten mile values.

A generally wedge-shaped pointer is mounted in overlying relationship onthe disc 17. This pointer 31 extends from the center of the disc 17 tothe periphery thereof. The portion of the pointer 31 at the center ofthe disc 17 preferably has a small integral disc 33 which has a smallhole in the center thereof through which the clock shaft 15 projects.The pointer 31 has two radial reference lines 35 described thereon.These reference lines 35 are preferably at an angle of 36 degreesrelative to each other and the center of disc 17. A plurality ofvelocity indicating indicia 37 are positioned longitudinally along thepointer 31. These velocity indicating indicia 37 are positioned inalignment with the distance indicating scale indicia 29 on the disc 17.The pointer 31 can be made of suitable transparent material butpreferably of a plastic material. The distance scale indicia 29 on disc17 are arranged to correlate distance travel with velocity and time asindicated by the velocity indicating indicia 37 on the pointer 31, andthe time scale indicia 25 on the periphery of the disc 17.

A clock hand 39 is mounted in overlying relationship to the pointer 31,and projects radially from the center of element 7 to slightly beyondthe outer periphery of the disc 17. A small hole is provided in theinward portion of the clock hand through which the clock shaft 15projects in close fitting frictional engagement, to turn therewith inoperation, and also so that the hand can be turned relative to shaft 15with finger pressure to 'set the hand. The clock hand 39 preferably hasa longitudinal track 41. This track 41 extends radially of a length tocover the concentric circles 23 on the disc 17. An indicator 43 isadjustably mounted in the track 40 in relatively close tting frictionalengagement, so that it remains fixed in the desired position to which itis placed. The indicator 43 can be adjustable by any suitable means suchas a track, gearing, cord and spool apparatus and the like. The clockhand 39 can be made of any suitable transparent material but preferablyof a transparent plastic. The indicator 43 can be of any suitablematerial such as metal, wood, plastic or the like but preferably aplastic and should be of a size approximately the same width as thespace between the concentric circles 23 on disc 17. The indicator shouldbe contrasting to the transparent clock hand and the disc 17.

A securing knob 45 is mounted on the projecting end portion of the clockhand 15. This knob 45 can be mounted in any suitable manner butpreferably by a set screw 47 which engages the clock shaft 15. The knob45 is preferably mounted sufficiently loosely so as to allow rotation ofdisc 17, pointer 31, and clock hand 39.

In normal use in an airplane the elapsed time between check points isnormally less than one hour. The indicia 25 is preferably in incrementsof one hour with each of the numbers depicting the minute of the hour.The velocity indicating indicia 37 on the pointer 31 can be of anysuitable value according to the normal operating speeds of the vehiclein which it is used, and preferablyy indicated from to 200 miles perhour in the preferred specific embodiment. The distance indicatingindicia Z9 are all based on the velocity indicating indicia 37 on thepointer 31. For an example, the innermost distance indicating scaleindicates that 10() miles of distance is covered when a moving object orairplane travels at 100 miles per hour for intervals of 60 minutes.

The following is an example of a typical probleml that can be simplysolved with the computer of my invention as shown on FIG. l. Supposingthe last check point along a plotted course is passed over at 561/2minutes after the hour, the pointer 21 on disc 17 is set between 56 and57 on indicia scale 27 of element 7, as shown on FIG. 1. Assum ing theground speed of the airplane is miles per hour and the distance to thenext check point is 102 miles, the pointer 31 is set so that the centerline thereof 49 is over 102 underlying -a Velocity of 140 miles an houras shown by indicia 37. The pointer 31 then indicates on the indicia 25that the time elapsed to the next check point will be 44 minutes andwill be slightly after 40 minutes after the hour. The clock hand 39 willalways indicate the correct time in minutes after the hour so that apilot in using the computer need only rotate the disc 17 so that thepointer 21 is in alignment with the track 41 of the clock hand when hereaches a check point. Thus the clock hand '39 will always show the truetime as well as providing an easy reference to discover elapsed time onthe indicia 25. The indicator 43 which is preferably in the shape of asmall airplane in this embodiment is quite valuable in showing thedistance the vehicle has traveled. The indicator is set at the velocityat which the airplane is` flying, and the pilot can readily see thenumber of miles that he has traveled by merely reading indicia 29 whichis beneath the indicator at any given time.

In the typical example FIGURE 1, the symbolic aircraft indicia 43 ispositioned along the clockhand between the two concentric circles in azone which is scaled to the velocity of 140 miles an hour. The indicia43 is over a point on disc 17`which is approximately 17 miles distancefrom the last check point. By observing the position of the clock handin reference to the first time scale 25 the pilot can also readily seethat seven minutes have elapsed since passing the last check point. Byfurther reference to the clock hand and second time scale 27 the pilotcan see that it is three and one half minutes past the hour. By visuallynoting the relative position of the movable clock hand with miniatureaircraft indicia 43 in relation to the stationary pointer 21 and thestationary centerline of pointer 49 and noting the constant clockwiseangular changes of indicia 43 the pilot is continually given informationwhich reveals his relative position along the course, distance traveled,total elapsed time on first scale 25 and present minute of the hour onsecond time scale 27.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that thiscomputer can have many other applications, by substituting differentunknown factors in the use thereof and merely following the generalprocedures as outlined hereinbefore. Any suitable values can be depictedby the indicia yutilized on my computer to solve any suitable type ofproblem. My computer can be easily adapted to solve many problems wherethere are two or more variables related to time such as aircraft fuelconsumption and endurance in minutes or hours at various pressurealtitudes and temperatures in relation to aircraft weight, usable fuel,power settings and aerodynamic trim conditions. In addition, thiscomputer is adaptable to time, speed, and distance problems of thevarious vehicles of land and water.

Reference lines 35 described on pointer 31 indicate to the pilot thearea in which he must contain his estimated time of arrival for fiightpurposes. These lines mark the estimated time of arrival for the pilotwithin the three minutes either ahead or behind in which he is allowedto operate his airplane according to accepted flight plan practice. Apilot can quite easily, by the use of these lines, at a glance tellwhether he is within the necessary estimated time of arrival, and if nothe can correct his speed or alter his expected time of arrival by theuse of the computer so that he arrives in proper time.

The foregoing discussion and description has been made in connectionwith preferred specific embodiments of the new improved computer of myinvention. However, it is to be understood that the discussion anddescription is only intended to illustrate and teach those skilled inthe art how to practice the invention, which is defined in the claimsset forth hereinafter.

I claim:

1. A computer for correlating time of travel, time of arrival, distanceand velocity, that is adapted to be mounted on a fiat surfacecomprising, a fiat octagonal element'adapted to be secured to said fiatsurface, said element having a relatively` small hole through the centerthereof, a clock mechanism rigidly mounted on the back portion of saidelement having a clock shaft projecting through said hole, a disc havinga relatively small hole in the center thereof and having a diameter lessthan the smallest diameter of said octagonal element, said disc movablymounted on the front portion of said octagonal i element, said clockshaft projecting through said hole in each of said distance scalespositioned between two concentric circle indicia and spaced about thecircumference thereof, a generally wedge-shaped pointer rotatably andengagingly mounted on said disc, said pointer radially extending fromthe center of said disc to the periphery thereof, the portion of saidpointer at the center of said disc having a relatively small integraldisc, said integral disc having a small hole in the center thereof, saidclock shaft projecting through said last-named hole, a plurality ofvelocity indicating indicia positioned longitudinally on said pointer,the spacing of said distance scale indicia arranged to correlatedistance traveled with velocity and time as indicated by said velocityindicating indicia and said first time scale, a clock hand rotatably andengagingly mounted on said pointer and radially projecting outwardly tothe periphery of said octagonal element from the center of said disc,the inner end portion of said clock hand having a relatively small hole,said clock shaft engagingly projecting through said last-named hole,said clock hand having a longitudinal slot of a length generallycoincident with the radius of said first-named disc, an indicatorslidably mounted in said slot, a securing knob rigidly mounted on theprojecting end portion of said clock shaft and engaging a top portion ofsaid clock hand, said computer constructed and a-dapted to indicate thecorrelation between time of arrival, time elapsed, distance, velocity,present position and relative position.

2, A computer for correlating time of travel, time of arrival, distanceand velocity comprising, a flat base, a disc rotatably secured to saidbase in overlying relationship, a radially extending pointer projectionintegral with said disc for conjoint movement therewith, a plurality ofevenly spaced concentric circle indicia on said disc, first time scaleindicia disposed around the periphery of said disc, said first timescale indicia being evenly spaced consecutive numeral indicia from zeroto 60 beginning at said pointer projection and progressing clockwiseabout the periphery of said disc, a second time scale indicia disposedon said base spaced outwardly from said disc and corresponding to saidfirst scale indicia, a second pointer, means rotatably mounting saidpointer on the center of said disc, a plurality of velocity indicatingindicia longitudinally arranged on said second pointer, said velocityindicating indicia positioned on said pointer to assume positionsbetween said concentric circle indicia on said disc, a plurality ofdistance scales on said disc, each of said distance scales positionedbetween two concentric circle indicia and spaced about thecircumference, the spacing arranged to correlate distance traveled withvelocity and time as indicated by said velocity indicating indicia andsaid first time scale, a clock mechanism secured to said base, a clockshaft and projecting through said base and said disc and said secondpointer, a clock hand mounted on said clock shaft in overlyingrelationship to said second pointer, a longitudinally movable indicatoron said clock hand, said computer adapted to indicate time of arrivaland time elapsed for various distances for various velocities, presentposition and relative position.

3. A computer comprising, a rst element, a clock mechanism mounted onsaid rst element, a clock shaft projecting through the center of saidrst element, a disc rotatably mounted on said shaft and on said rstelement, said disc having an integral pointer extended radiallytherefrom, a rst time scale indicia disposed about the periphery of saidelement, a second time scale indicia disposed along the periphery ofsaid disc and corresponding to said first scale indicia, a secondpointer rotatably mounted in the center of said disc on said shaft, aplurality of radially spaced velocity indicating indicia on said secondpointer, a plurality of distance scales arranged concentrically on saiddisc aligned with said plurality of velocity indicating indicia, aradially extending clock hand mounted on said clock shaft for rotationtherewith relative a stationary said rst element and said disc, saidclock hand having a longitudinally extending slot, an indicator slidablymounted in said slot, and said computer adapted to calculate time ofarrival, time elapsed, distance, velocity, present position and relativeposition.

4. A computer comprising, a rst element, a clock mechanism mounted onsaid first element, a disc rotatably mounted on said first element, saiddisc having an integral pointer extended radially therefrom, a rst timescale indicia disposed about the periphery of said element, a secondtime scale indicia disposed along the periphery of said disc andcorresponding to said first scale indicia, a second pointer rotatablymounted in the center of said disc, a plurality of radially spacedvelocity indicating indicia on said second pointer, a plurality ofdistance scales arranged concentrically on said disc aligned with saidplurality of velocity indicating indicia, said clock mechanism having aradially extending clock hand for rotation relative a stationary saidrst element and said disc, andl said computer adapted to calculate timeof arrival, time elapsed, distance, velocity, present position andrelative position.

No references cited.

RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner.

S. A. WAL, Assistant Examiner.

